Sleek Touring Kayaks, Paddle Boards & Recreational Kayaks
Ride The River
One-Way
Ride The River: One-Way Kayak & SUP Adventures
Let the tide carry you through the heart of Napa Valley.
Experience the full transition from salt marsh to freshwater forest on an unforgettable, self-guided journey. Timed perfectly with the tides and wind, Ride The River makes exploring the Napa River effortless, beautiful, and memorable. We handle all the equipment from start to finish!
Call to Book: 707.200.5511
🛶 Choose Your Adventure
All trips embark from the Carneros Wine Region (6 Cuttings Wharf Rd, Napa, CA) and travel north with the flood tide.
| Adventure | Description | Disembark Location |
| 2-Hour Paddle | A scenic cruise through vineyard-lined shores and lush wetlands. |
Napa Yacht Club 100 Riverside Drive, Napa, CA |
| Half-Day Tour | Explore the renaissance of Downtown Napa and its vibrant waterfront charm. | 100 Riverside Drive, Napa, CA |
| Full-Day Expedition | Travel deep into Napa’s northern reach, beyond the Oxbow and into a serene urban forest. | Trancas Crossing Park (600 Trancas St.) |
🚗 Convenient Logistics: Plenty of parking is available at all launch and landing points. Once you finish your one-way paddle, transportation back to your vehicle is readily available via UBER, 15 min - aprox $25
📅 2026 Season Dates & Timing
Because we utilize the river's natural currents for a smooth, relaxing paddle, trips are scheduled around full and new moon cycles when the largest incoming flood tides occur.
We offer one or two launch times per day during the following windows:
June: June 13 – 21 | June 27 – July 5July: July 11 – 18 | July 30 – August 3
August: August 10 – 17
Schedule doesn't match? If your dates don't align with the Napa River flood tide, ask us about booking a Petaluma River trip riding the ebb tide! (Located 25 minutes east; 4-person minimum required).
✨ Why Choose Ride The River?
- Effortless Exploration: No fighting the current. We time your launch perfectly with the tides and wind for a smooth, downwind glide.
- Premium Kayak Fleet: Choose between sleek Wilderness Systems touring kayaks or spacious Crescent tandems featuring comfortable, elevated framed seats.
- Epic Paddle Board Collection: The Napa River is ideal for downwind SUP. Choose from over 20+ premium boards, including high-performance 14’ Naish Downwind boards.
- Immersive Audio Guide: Explore at your own pace while our light-touch, geolocated audio guide quietly shares the history and ecology of your surroundings.
- Scenic Stops & Dining: Dock right at Main Street for a world-class downtown meal, or pull off for a scenic picnic beneath the redwoods at Kennedy Park.
👥 Book Your Journey Today
Spaces are limited due to tidal windows. Call us to secure your launch time and equipment!
📞 707.200.5511
Free Corporate & Group Planning Guide
Your team deserves a one-of-a-kind outing they'll never forget. And you deserve an easy way to plan it. All the info you need to get started is right here.
PRIVATE EVENT OPTION:
Private River Cottage & Grounds
Charcuterie & Wine Tasting on-site
Guided Tour of Fagan Preserve
Launch pad for hiking, bicycling
and wineries
For private group inquiries, call 707-200-5511 to book
Start From Downtown Napa: 12 minute drive
WHAT TO WEAR?
Wear comfortable synthetic clothes as they dry faster from paddle splashes. It may get a little chilly after sunset, check weather prior to departure. Very little wind in Fall & Winter, Summer wind between 2-6pm. We recommend flip flops, water shoes or strap sandals. Running shoes or hiking boots OK. No high heels.
What to Carry?
Drinking water, birding/sport binoculars, lanyard & dry bag. We provide dry bags and cellphone lanyard upon request. And a red head lamp for trips finishing after sunset.
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 7-days prior to your tour date; $20/cancellation fee applies. In the event of adverse weather conditions, we will issue a rain check and reschedule the tour for a later date. Although we've always refunded customers do to weather-related cancellations upon request, refunds are not guaranteed.
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS
Tandem kayak or SUP, paddle, life jacket, pre-paddle orientation, guide, dry bag
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Prior kayaking experience isn't mandatory, but a reasonable level of physical fitness is recommended. For families with kids the adults must have prior kayaking experience. Whale boat tour is available for families with small kids
TOUR DURATION
3.25 miles, 1.5 hours route through Fagan Preserve. Equipment is yours for up to 3 hours allowing time to explore the Napa River below Brazos Bridge
CAR PARKING
Limited to one car per group. Room for up to 4 cars total. We will assist you upon departure.
